Certified canine fitness trainer Sarah Keller, owner of sitstaysquat.ca, joins to discuss the benefits of canine fitness training and the online and in-person training programs she has developed. The string of certifications following her name (Sarah Keller CPCFT, CCFT, CCBW, NASM-CES, CPDT-KA) gives a preview of her dedication to dogs. With a library of over 150 training videos, multiple online courses, as well as outdoor challenges, Sitstaysquat has something for everyone, even those who want to work out with their dog (check out Doga [dog yoga] and Workout with your Dog)!
This week's guest is certified veterinary technician and entrepreneur, Brian Goleman. Brian is the founder of Brian's Bandages, a company dedicated to educating veterinary staff to achieve better patient outcomes using bandaging techniques he has mastered. He offers trainings, lunch and learns, and has all digital platforms covered, so it's easy to improve bandaging skills. He also uses and sells bandage art to lessen the stress in difficult situations. Last but not least, his children's book, The Boy Who Bandages, is available on Amazon.
On the Road to Westminster: Preparing A Show Dog Through Intentional Conditioning for the Ring
To start off 2025, Heather Blakeman, CPDT-KA, FFCP, joins the podcast to talk about MBOSS GCH CH Foxmor’s GameDay Makers Over Ice CCA, call name “Makers,” a Golden Retriever who she has been working with since he was 10 weeks old. At just three years old, Makers will compete at the 149th Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, held in Manhattan and widely considered to be one of the world’s most prestigious and competitive dog shows. It will be Heather’s first time showing at Westminster, and of course, Makers’ first time at the show. Heather has been involved in Maker’s months of preparation and conditioning to prepare this special dog for the big competition, and she shares the behind-the-scenes physical and mental conditioning that allow Makers to have fun—and win—in the ring.
I'm ending the year by sharing my favorite Instagram accounts.
Our guest today is Dr. Kelly Diehl from the Morris Animal Foundation. A small animal veterinarian by trade, she joins us to talk about her background and her work communicating science for the Morris Animal Foundation, a non-profit organization that funds research for canine, feline, equine, and other animals.
About Dr. Diehl: Kelly Diehl received her DVM from the University of Tennessee and started her practice career in a bustling emergency clinic in New Jersey. After one year in emergency practice, Dr. Diehl completed an internship at the prestigious Animal Medical Center in New York City. Following her internship, Dr. Diehl moved west, completing a residency in small animal medicine at Colorado State University. After finishing a 3-year NIH postdoctoral fellowship at National Jewish Health, Dr. Diehl joined the staff of the Veterinary Referral Center of Colorado as the co-owner of the internal medicine section. After 14 years, Dr. Diehl left private practice to pursue a career in science communication and joined Morris Animal Foundation in 2013. Dr. Diehl is a board-certified small animal internal medicine specialist with an interest in gastroenterology and immunology. She lives in Colorado with her husband, two children, two cats, too many fish to count and one very lovable Labrador retriever.
Lea Mellerup-Lund and her apricot/fawn Standard Poodle, Lui, join us from their home in Denmark to talk about their active lifestyle, competing in multiple dog sports and representing Denmark.
Abby Hodder holds a unique position at Penn State as the assistant clinical professor of canine behavior welfare. Her position stems from the needs seen by a non-profit partner, which approached the university to see if a they could help address professional breeders' understanding of animal behavior and welfare. Hodder will be rolling out workshops, webinars, and educational materials for all dog breeder audiences in the coming months.
Jaime F. Modiano, VMD, PhD, is the Perlman Professor of Oncology and Comparative Medicine, Director, Animal Cancer Care and Research Program and College of Veterinary Medicine and Masonic Cancer Center at the University of Minnesota. He talks to us today for a wide-ranging and philosophical conversation about advances in understanding and treatment for cancer in humans and dogs. He is widely known for his research on hemangiosarcoma.
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Allison Alexander is a leading dog show handler, grooming expert, and mentor. She has won 750+ Best in Shows and has handled numerous dogs to Top Dog All-Breeds, and she shares her passion for dog showing through her educational platform, Leading Edge Dog Show Academy. Whether it's how to trim nails correctly, perfect a free bait, or manage a poodle in full show coat, she explains concepts clearly and thoroughly, allowing her audience to learn whatever their level or dog breed. The community she has built is truly exceptional.
This week my dog show friend Tiina Koskinen lends international flair to the show, as we talk about dog showing in the U.S., Finland, Estonia, Portugal, and other countries. Her standard poodles Dino and Daisy, who are experienced world travelers, are champions in both AKC and the FCI. She also owns OMGOSH Petware, a hair-saving biothane dog accessory brand.
Angie Cooke joins the show today to talk about her life in dogs. Lucky enough to grow up near Jody Paquette, she has been immersed in professional dog grooming and handling for years. She specializes in toys and drop-coated breeds, and her positive attitude is infectious!
Interested in understanding your dog's nutrition? We'll get you started in this episode, first talking about dehydrating treats at home with Drea from Loose Leash Heeler. Then, Karin suggests resources from Leading Edge Dog Show Academy, Hidden Hills' Raw Food Diet ebook, and The Forever Dog Live (Amazon).
Dr. Steve Friedenberg from the University of Minnesota joins us to talk about his rescue dog Hugo, his education, and his important research unraveling canine Addison’s disease.